Examining Missed Healthcare Appointments (No-Shows) in a Rural-Serving Federally Qualified Community Health Center in the United States

To examine demographic and geographic factors associated with missed healthcare appointments ("no-shows") in a rural-serving federally qualified community health center in the United States, this retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted. Stratified descriptive statistics and negative binomial regression assessed associations with age, gender, and residential location. After adjustment, patients in an area anonymized as Region C had about 41% fewer no-shows (IRR = 0.59). Female patients had about 28% fewer no-shows (IRR = 0.72), and each additional year of age was associated with a 1.30% decrease in no-shows (IRR = 0.99). Older and female patients were less likely to miss appointments, and geographic location also influenced attendance. Tailored, location-specific strategies may improve appointment adherence and continuity of care in rural settings. In integrated FQHC care models, social workers and human service professionals can help address social determinants affecting appointment adherence through targeted screening and support services.